Police have released “disgusting” footage of the attack on a man waiting for a taxi in Leeds

The 53-year-old man was repeatedly punched and kicked in the early hours of Sunday 30 June.

Police have released footage of an “outrageous” attack on a man waiting for a taxi in Leeds in the hope of finding the suspect.

WARNING: This article contains footage that some readers may find disturbing.

The 53-year-old man was on Merrion Street at around 4.30am on Sunday, June 30, when another man took his phone before punching him.

He then turned and repeatedly punched and kicked the victim, before taking his watch and leather jacket.

West Yorkshire Police believe it could be linked to other similar robberies in Leeds city center in recent days.

It included an attack on a 39-year-old man who lost his teeth in Fish Street and had his wallet, phone and keys taken.

A 19-year-old man was left with a fractured eye socket and dislocated jaw after being attacked in St. Alban’s Place, while his wallet and phone were stolen on July 7.

Detective Inspector Vicky Vessey, who leads the Leeds District Crime Squad, said: “We are currently keeping an open mind as to whether all of these incidents are linked, but they follow a similar pattern in terms of the circumstances in which the lone victims men were targeted while on nights out.

“The CCTV footage from the incident on Merrion Street is truly horrific and shows very clearly the appalling level of violence used by the offender.

“We hope it will help focus people’s minds and we encourage anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that could help the investigation to contact us immediately.

“We are continuing to carry out extensive inquiries to identify the offender as soon as possible as it is very clear that there could easily be more serious consequences.”

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